Researchers on China’s research icebreaker Xuelong make farewell to people on a dock in Shanghai, East China, July 20, 2018. China’s research icebreaker Xuelong set sail from Shanghai on July 20 marking the country’s 9th Arctic expedition.[Photo/Xinhua]
SHANGHAI — China’s research icebreaker Xuelong set sail from Shanghai on July 20, marking the country’s 9th Arctic expedition.
A team of 131 researchers, along with foreign scientists, will make the two-month trip of 12,300 nautical miles.
During the expedition, Xuelong will conduct research in Chukchi Rise and the Canada Basin in the Arctic Ocean and is expected to return to Shanghai before the end of September.
“The new expedition involves many studies that are interdisciplinary and focus on issues such as marine radioactivity, microplastics, and ocean acidification,” said Wei Zexun, chief scientist of the expedition.
Xuelong, whose name means snow dragon, is currently China’s only polar icebreaker in service.
Representatives of researchers make farewell to people aboard China’s research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, East China, July 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s research icebreaker Xuelong departs in Shanghai, East China, July 20, 2018.[Photo/Xinhua]
Representatives of researchers make farewell to people aboard China’s research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, East China, July 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]
